This live Thames riverboat session dates from the early 70s - a time when traditional jazz was fighting for its existence. Ken Colyer's Studio 51 Club in Leicester Square had recently closed after 20 years as a mecca for lovers of New Orleans music. Ken had given up leading a regular band, but was offered a regular weekly slot at the 100 Club in Oxford street and the All Stars were born. The stars on this recording were Sammy Rimington, Mike Pointon, Bill Stotesbury, Annie Hawkins and Colin Bowden. 72 glorious minutes of previously unreleased material!

Reviews of This Recording

There is good music is on this CD. A strong passion and affection for New Orleans jazz underlines these performances. All of the musicians are aware of the work on record of the American greats, and they have done the listening. The recording has been skilfully tidied up and made easier for us all to listen to.
The music on this CD is very good. The sound is uplifting. And listening to it creates for me a wave of nostalgia for the period from 1956 to 1961 when Colyer had his ‘classic’ bands and I heard the band playing live. This 1973 band is playing with the same essential elements of feeling and warmth and simplicity as in 1957, contained in the distinctive Colyer ensemble sound. We need music like this: music that has artistry and emotion, and will lift spirits. The quality of the recording is not as if it were done in Studio conditions. Nevertheless it is acceptable, and there is the freshness and spontaneity of a live session. The musicians are playing to an audience. To the people on the riverboat the musicians are saying,
'We are enjoying playing our jazz, please join us and share in our love of this music – you are very welcome'.
Get it and enjoy it! John Keen - Just Jazz